MW3 And Skyrim: Biggest Contrast In Gaming History?
The Elder Scrolls V: SkyrimBoth Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim launch this week and you know, a bigger contrast may not exist in gaming.
While one is the epitome of "twitch gaming" and emphasizes fast, ceaseless action without much in the way of patience and strategy, the other is all about taking your time and immersing yourself in a gigantic fantasy world. Of course, from a simplistic viewpoint, one is a straightforward FPS and the other is an in-depth hardcore RPG.
But isn't this exactly the kind of thing that makes video games exciting? Sure, one is gonna be vastly more popular than the other, but it's not really a fair comparison. And besides, Skyrim is bound to sell several million copies; the fans are already clamoring for its release. The bottom line is that both will be popular, both will have an ardent following, and both are satisfying in completely different ways. I also think it'd be interesting to learn that a great many gamers will play both titles; diverse tastes isn't uncommon in this growing industry.
Such a contrast should help to curb the bitterness of those who feel shooters are taking over, or the mainstream is killing hardcore gaming. It doesn't get more hardcore than Skyrim and let's not forget about Dark Souls, which has also proven popular. The bottom line is that on Friday, a title that might be the complete opposite of MW3 launches, and it'll still grab plenty of headlines and generate lots of sales.
Personally, I think that's a win for the industry.
Related Game(s): The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Tags: the elder scrolls v, skyrim, mw3, modern warfare 3, call of duty
11/9/2011 9:12:25 PM Ben Dutka
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Comments (61 posts)
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 10:02:50 PM
4 up, 0 down
Oxvial
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 11:29:33 PM
Now Ghouls and Ghost, you really need to be hard in order to not rage quit.
Last edited by Oxvial on 11/9/2011 11:31:36 PM
0 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 11:29:37 PM
2 up, 0 down
Highlander
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 1:27:04 AM
The point though, as it was in the post about MW3, is that variety is the spice of life, and despite the millions upon millions buying into MW3 and the however many that buy Skyrim, there is still a very sizable gamer population not buying into either.
Last edited by Highlander on 11/10/2011 1:28:32 AM
0 up, 0 down
ImTheMan
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 4:22:27 AM
@Highlander: ot I was looking at the article about PS3 sales maybe surpassing the 360 and I wanted to ask you, how do you know that Microsoft counts refurbished units shipped as actual units shipped? I've been looking all over for that. Thanks in advance.
0 up, 0 down
Oxvial
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 4:37:55 AM
0 up, 0 down
Highlander
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 10:16:22 AM
I'll have to dig up a link for you, it's been a while since I read the confirmation of that, and I don't typically keep links, but I will dig it up and post it when I get it.
Well, this link at Joystiq (for example) refers to Sony talking of sales rather than shipped units (as both competitors do), so that is one reference point for you;
http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/ps3-catching-up-with-xbox-360-shipments-worldwide/2
Good lord googles new algorithms suck. I can't find half the articles I've read on this subject. What it comes down to is a combination of two things. Both Sony and Microsoft count units differently, prior to 2007, Sony counted units shipped from the factory to distribution, just as MS still does. Sony changed to count only units sold & shipped to retailers, not units sitting unpaid for in the distribution channel. Microsoft still counts units shipped to distribution. The media generally quotes these numbers from the respective annual reports and calls them unit sales, but they are not. When I can find the articles I have read previously, I will link them here
Last edited by Highlander on 11/10/2011 11:01:52 AM
0 up, 1 down
Oxvial
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 9:37:19 PM
Reply
3 up, 2 down
friction
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 9:45:36 PM
2 up, 0 down
Oxvial
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 10:07:39 PM
Game is a LOT more hard than Demons Souls in that one I barely died in this.. Jesus Christ I sure died at least 50 times, but is pretty awesome xD, fortunately looks like that didn't scare much people.
Of course I can see why Ben put Skyrim, people are more hyped to that one and even if I find it boring as heck and something I can beat with one hand.. that franchise is more important than the Souls games.
Last edited by Oxvial on 11/9/2011 10:08:20 PM
1 up, 1 down
sirbob6
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 9:45:08 PM
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I'll pick up Skyrim when I complete Dark Souls on NG+++ and CoD, well, never.
4 up, 0 down
Coffeya
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 9:51:38 PM
0 up, 0 down
sirbob6
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 9:52:12 PM
Last edited by sirbob6 on 11/9/2011 9:53:11 PM
0 up, 0 down
Condemnedsoul23
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 10:01:58 PM
Reply
Last edited by Condemnedsoul23 on 11/9/2011 10:02:49 PM
3 up, 1 down
cLoudou
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 10:04:04 PM
0 up, 0 down
Oxvial
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 10:10:36 PM
1 up, 0 down
Beamboom
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 5:04:41 AM
1 up, 0 down
sha4dowknight05
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 10:11:41 PM
Reply
1 up, 2 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 10:16:29 PM
3 up, 0 down
Geobaldi
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 10:35:16 PM
2 up, 0 down
Killa Tequilla
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 10:19:16 PM
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4 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 10:25:12 PM
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Friday can't come soon enough, I got my energy drinks lined up and ready to go. It's about time for an epic big world adventure Mothafackaaas!
0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 10:29:47 PM
Reply
5 up, 0 down
kokoro
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 11:24:29 PM
0 up, 0 down
Dreno
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 10:35:39 PM
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I recently scored my self a much better job than my current fast food employment. Ill be gettin roughly a 4 dollar raise with the new job, taking me to 11.50 ph, and soon after that 12 ph. I know its not too much, but it beats the HELL outta minimum wage. Anyways...
Ill be buying both games sometime in the near future, along with getting some internet. So I will finally be able to make it to the psxe shows in home again. And I will finally be able to game online again.
But ill be getting skyrim before mw3, just throwin that out there.
1 up, 0 down
Deleted User
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 10:40:35 PM
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0 up, 0 down
jimmyhandsome
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 10:51:48 PM
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0 up, 0 down
Beamboom
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 5:06:49 AM
1 up, 0 down
CrusaderForever
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 10:52:01 PM
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But, I am crying at this moment as I have made a conscious decision to wait until Tuesday 11/15 to buy Skyrim from KMart, sniff, sniff. They are having a buy 1 get one 50% off. I also have a $20 gaming coupon. So that will be 2 games for $70. Could be $55 if KMart would send me my $15 gaming coupon for inconvenience.
I am really leaning towards getting SR3!! Looks so good, that I am thinking the Wife will be fine with the purchase. But missing out on Skyrim for almost 6 days is cry/fetal position worthy! :(
1 up, 0 down
sha4dowknight05
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 11:06:36 PM
0 up, 0 down
shadowscorpio
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 10:58:29 PM
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0 up, 0 down
kokoro
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 11:33:30 PM
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I remember being a kid and going to toys R us to pick up a playstation game for my birthday. I wanted so desperately to get tomb raider 2, but being the goody-two-shoes I was, I alerted my parents to the M15+rating on the cover of the game, to make sure it was ok with them. Once they saw the rating, they wouldn't buy it for me, so I ended up getting Mickey's Wild adventures. It was pretty sh*tastic.
2 up, 0 down
Shams
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 6:16:15 AM
1 up, 0 down
R3ZR
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 2:37:28 AM
Reply
0 up, 1 down
___________
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 3:10:33 AM
not surprising, i cant remember the last time a game that was due on a friday actually released on a friday!
i mean the only 3 games due on a friday this year, skyrim, LA Noire and DNF all ended up releasing on thursday.
0 up, 0 down
___________
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 3:08:41 AM
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ACR and saints row the third coming out next tuesday for instance.
ended up picking up skyrim today.
i was not going to get it but uncharted 3 was such a disappointment i need something to keep me occupied till ACR releases.
0 up, 3 down
CrusaderForever
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 6:29:33 AM
1 up, 0 down
___________
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 8:16:25 AM
level design felt a step backwards too.
all the levels in uncharted 2 were so much fun where this they did not feel as well designed.
i missed the platforming puzzles too theres not many puzzles where you have to leap across the room like there was in uncharted 2.
most here are grab this block move it here, or walk in a specific path.
mainly the levels spoiled it for me though, i really enjoyed especially the tibet level where you first meet elana.
and the 2 puzzles where you have to first line up the arms of the elephant statue, then the last one where you have to line up the blades of the massive dagger.
0 up, 0 down
Shams
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 2:25:58 PM
Level design I agree a bit, except for the obvious exceptions, such as the crazy levels I won't give away, and the mp maps.
Puzzles were less trivial, but quicker, causing less downtime.
MP was definitely cranked up.
Each entry in the franchise has a different focus and strength. Hard to tell which one I like the best. So, I'm glad I have all of 'em.
0 up, 0 down
Axe99
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 5:01:09 AM
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0 up, 0 down
ulsterscot
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 6:03:06 AM
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1 up, 1 down
Beamboom
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 7:24:04 AM
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0 up, 0 down
Underdog15
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 9:03:49 AM
I call them, "The Meta-Humblers".
0 up, 0 down
Beamboom
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 9:51:20 AM
Last edited by Beamboom on 11/10/2011 9:51:47 AM
0 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 10:15:26 AM
0 up, 0 down
Beamboom
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 1:42:58 PM
Looking forward to read *everything* about this game, Ben! Don't hold back, keep the words flowing. Well, except spoilers. :)
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___________
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 8:20:49 AM
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but my god is the world beautiful!
puts a massive smile on my face when the sun goes down, you can see a massive moon,stars glittering in the sky and wolves howling.
and water slowly trickling in the background.
better more alive world then RDR!
shame the combat feels so shallow!
i wish we could have a game of the witcher 2s combat in the world of skyrim, the environment, the artistic flair is just beautiful!!!!!!
allot of developers have trouble making a games world feel alive.
well, actually no games really done that.
until now!
so cool how you can look up and see the glistening stars, then see a shooting star fly past and see the reflective colours in the sky.
0 up, 0 down
Neo_Aeon666
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 9:03:51 AM
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Yeah, if I had to make a comparison. CoD is junk food. There is alot of it, it tastes good, it has mass appeal but eating it too much isn't that good.
And Skyrim would be more of a fancy dinner you get once in a while. Not as many people eat those but each time you do... It's a delight for both the belly and the mind.
I started gaming alot with junk food, then I found myself looking for those fancy dinners once in a while :D So yeah thats how I see it lol. Maybe at some point all those CoD players will start to want more from a video game and follow the same curve :D That would be nice.
Last edited by Neo_Aeon666 on 11/10/2011 9:06:24 AM
1 up, 0 down
mousekiks
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 3:30:20 AM
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0 up, 0 down
Highlander
Reply
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 @ 9:35:24 PM
What about those that will play neither?
*posted from my bunker outside the mainstream...